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I am a social psychologist in the Department of Counseling Psychology at Ball State University, where I teach and conduct research in the areas of relationships, prejudice, and sexuality. I also run a popular blog entitled "Sex and Psychology" designed to present the science of sex, love, and relationships in an engaging and accessible way.

To date, I have published over 30 scholarly works, which includes several articles published in the leading journals on sex and relationships, multiple book chapters, and two textbooks. Most of my research publications fall into one of two areas. One of these areas examines commitment to interpersonal relationships, including both romantic relationships as well as casual sexual relationships (e.g., "friends with benefits"). I am interested in the factors that influence how commitment to these relationships develops and changes over time, as well as the consequences of commitment for the health and well-being of the partners involved. My other main area of research concerns prejudice and discrimination, especially as they pertain to sexuality and relationships. My recent work on this topic has focused on how perceptions of bias against one's sexual orientation and relationship status influence physical and psychological well-being and engagement in risky health behaviors. Across all of this work, my goal is to conduct theoretically grounded research that has the potential to address important social problems.

My research has been featured prominently in numerous media outlets, including the Huffington Post, Psychology Today, Men’s Health, The Globe and Mail, and The Sunday Times. I have also appeared on several episodes of the television program Taboo on the National Geographic Channel and am a frequent guest on programs such as HuffPost Live and RadioMD. I also do freelance writing for major publications, including Playboy and Boston.com.

Media Contact

Media Contacts are available to answer media inquiries about their research or other areas of expertise. If you are a reporter, writer, or producer who wishes to schedule an interview, please use the Contact form to send a request that includes: (1) the interview topic, (2) the media outlet or publication you work for, and (3) the date by which you hope to complete the interview.

Lehmiller, J. J., & Schmitt, M. T. (2007). Group domination and inequality in context: Evidence for the unstable meanings of social dominance and authoritarianism. European Journal of Social Psychology, 37, 704-724.